Transition: Independence Resources
Find community living with support and guidance for cooking, budgeting, banking, shopping, other daily living activities, and community integration. The goal of this program is to obtain independent living skills.
(815) 942-6133
Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec)
Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec) brings assistive technology to people with disabilities in Illinois. Infinitec provides information about assistive technology as well as training, equipment and access to specialists and resources.
Infinitec includes information about mobility devices, home modifications, independent living, orthotics and prosthetics, adaptive toys, adaptive sports, hearing resource guides, vision resource guides and more.
Since 2011, Internet Essentials from Comcast has connected more than 8 million low‑income Americans to low‑cost, high‑speed Internet at home. Families may qualify if they are eligible for public assistance programs including the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others.
iTaalk Autism Foundation
iTaalk (Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kids) Autism Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, training and assistive technology to help individuals with autism and other disabilities develop greater independence at all stages of life.
iTaalk’s App Facilitator Program provides grants to individuals of all ages and disabilities (not just autism) to help them access apps that are key to helping them communicate. Applicants must own the device for which they are requesting apps.
Lake County Center for Independent Living
Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.
LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.
LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education
The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education‘s (LEASE-SPED) website provides quick links, event calendars, information to help with navigating the transition to adulthood, and training and educational resources for parents, students, social workers and educational professionals. The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education provides:
- Parent resources
- The Illinois Valley Transition Planning Committee (IVTPC)
- Upcoming events
- Quick links to MyInfinitec and more
Little Friends provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:
- Schools, educational and vocational training programs
- Respite family services
- Community-based residential living
- The Center for Autism
- Inklude Studio
- The Fun Club
Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)
The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
- Assistive technology equipment loan program
- Community reintegration
- Computer literacy
- Mental health resources
- Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
- Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people in the United States. NFB helps create a wide range of opportunities for children and adults who are blind in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Programs and services cover a wide range of areas, including advocacy, education, Braille certification, parent support and resources, training, employment, technology and more.
A small sampling of NFB resources includes:
- Braille resources
- Free White Cane Program
- Free Slate and Stylus Program
- Scholarships and awards
- Career mentoring
For more information, contact NFB at (410) 659-9314 or nfb@nfb.org
There is also an Illinois chapter. Visit the National Federation of the Blind in Illinois website, call (312) 343-8396, or email president@nfbofillinois.org.
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) is a nonprofit organization serving blind individuals and their sighted friends and family of all ages. NFBI provides information, programs and well-trained leaders to help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities, and effect change at the state and national levels. Programs include:
- A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled
- Scholarship and education programs
- Voter resources
- Statewide and local chapters
Visit NFBI’s website to view the complete list of Illinois chapters and contact information.
Please contact the chapter nearest you for more information.